Ultrasound

What is an Ultrasound?

“Ultrasound” is the term used for high frequency sound waves. It is a safe examination which provides excellent imaging without any significant risk to the patient

Is there any preparation for my Ultrasound?

You may be asked to not ear or drink the night prior to your exam, or drink some fluids and arrive with full bladder. Most ultrasound and vascular exams do not require prep, though. Your ordering care provider will advise you of any prep needed.

Who will be performing my exam?

An ultrasound examination is performed by a Sonographer. A Sonographer is a health professional who is specialized in performing ultrasound examinations using a smooth, hand held device called a transducer that is moved across the body using gel. The transducer transmits high-frequency sound waves into your body. The sound waves are then reflected from the different tissues of your anatomy in different ways. The sound waves are converted to electrical impulses, which are used to produce a moving image onto the screen. Sonographers have advanced education, are Registered in the field of Ultrasound, and are fully qualified to perform the examination and provide an interpretation of the images to a radiologist who will review and provide a report on the findings to your Doctor.

Dopplerultrasound is the interaction of high frequency sound waves being bounced off moving blood cells and producing a spectrum or waveform and audible signal. It can be used to evaluate the speed and direction of blood flow for determination of disease processes in the arteries and veins in many locations throughout the body.

Interventional Ultrasound can also be used to guide injections, biopsies (where sample tissue is removed for testing) or drainage catheters to remove fluid from the abdomen or chest.